By Dr. Kristina L Sargent, D.C.

February 27, 2010--In this economy, finances are a stressor, and the food budget is one place you may be able to cut expenses. But what is the wisest way to accomplish that goal? Making poor food choices actually increases your risk of diabetes, heart disease and high blood pressure; so when you cut your food budget, don't cut out necessary nutrients.

February 4, 2010 (La Mesa) -- Mix it up with fun and networking at Hooleys Irish Pub & Grill, 5500 Grossmont Blvd. at Grossmont Center in La Mesa. The La Mesa Chamber of Commerce joins with the San Diego East County Chamber of Commerce to help celebrate the popular pub's one-year anniversary at the La Mesa location on Monday, February 8th from 5:30-7:00 p.m.

January 31, 2010 (Alpine) -- Want to get fit and healthy in the New Year? Certified raw culinary chefs Diane Haworth and Michael Varbaek will be guest speakers for the Alpine Business Networking Association (ABNA) on Thursday, February 18 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Vines Bistro & Wine Bar, 2502 Alpine Boulevard in Alpine. Guests are invited for a raw food presentation and information on healthy eating.
 

By Sharon Courmousis

"Perhaps dreams are like seeds. Some take hold and produce fruit, some are barren, and some spurt and then die. What lessons are there for me? Do I know myself better now than a year ago? What could be possible for 2010?"  -- Purple Mountain Sage

Increase your enjoyment of living!

Courtesy of the Julian Grille, Julian

This recipe is a favorite among diners at the Julian Grill in Julian, San Diego County’s historic gold-mining town. Celebrating its centennial this year, Julian today is best known for its apple festival and array of delicious apple-based recipes—including this sweet and savory salad dressing featuring apple cider.

November 18, 2009 (San Diego's East County) - If you don't want to cook this Thanksgiving, you'll find an array of sumptuous holiday repasts in San Diego and East County.  Choose from an old-fashioned feast amid rustic rural charm, a football fan's favorite, a bountiful budget buffet, a potluck at an outdoor retreat, or a Thanksgiving Day jazz festival to liven up your holiday. 

By Leon Thompson, the East County Eater

October 25th, 2009 (Alpine) -- “Smokin’ in the Park,” the state’s largest BBQ competition sponsored by Viejas, was held Oct. 17 at the Viejas Outlet Center. Last year’s event drew over 9,000 people and from the looks of the long lines of hungry barbecue aficionados waiting to sample the fare here, I’d say this year’s event was an equally savory success.

Do something special with your cranberry dish this holiday season

Recipe courtesy of Orfila Vineyards

Famed Local Restaurant Serves Up Fare for a Crowd at Santee Chamber Mixer

By Miriam Raftery
 

October 28, 2009 (Santee) – Pinnacle Peak, East County’s Western-themed steakhouse best-known for adorning its walls with ties cut from the necks of guests who violate the casual dress code, hosted a recent mixer for the Santee Chamber of Commerce that attracted a hungry crowd. If you haven’t been here in a while, you might be surprised at some of the changes.
 

“We’ve expanded our menu and we now serve seafood as well as steaks,” manager Dan Elsken (photo, right) “We’re also open for lunch.” In addition, Pinnacle Peak has launched a chuckwagon-style catering service to barbecue hearty fare for local events. A cowboy singer serenades visitors on Wednesday evenings.

Spinners Fresh Mediterranean Salads & Grill
2654 Jamacha Rd., Suite 101
El Cajon, California 92019
www.ilovespinners.com
619-825-5151
Open daily 11am-9pm

By Leon Thompson
The East County Eater

October 15, 2009 (Rancho San Diego)—Spinners is a treat for your taste buds--Mediterranean food like you have never experienced before. You won’t see food presented like this in any fast food restaurant anywhere. Each selection is served with colorful and delicious exclamations. My plate had slow-roasted gyros, pickled turnips, olives and rose-cut radishes--along with pita wedges and a spicy jalapeño hummus.  On my first visit,  I also sampled couscous, an amber-hued bulgar wheat dish, and fresh tabouleh on the side. The only thing ‘fast food’ about “Spinners” is the price.

Discounts for pre-reservation--RSVP now!

WIN PRIZES:  A pirate for your next party, Padres tickets, private wine-tasting party & more!

By Ryan Lescure

August 3, 2009 (Alpine) -- I found Pure Hoppiness a month ago, largely by accident. I strolled into the local watering hole and attempted to order my usual beer. I was informed by the bartender that they had just run out. After regaining my composure, and wiping the tears from my eyes, I settled on Pure Hoppiness, a double India Pale Ale brewed by the Alpine Beer Company.

I was so taken with the hoppy, yet smooth taste of Pure Hoppiness that I made sure to look up Alpine Beer Company after my walk home. Upon visiting their website, I was astonished to discover that were based in Alpine, California.

By Miriam Raftery

By the East County Eater

June 30, 2009 (East County)--Watching “Anna and the King of Siam” is the closest I’ve come to visiting Thailand. But if dining at Basil Thai Bistro is a reflection of what Thailand is like – I wanna go. From exquisite food to exotic décor, Basil Thai is a true dining out adventure.

The interior has whimsical Asian elements, from Thai temple statues to origami swan napkins. Everything is neat and tidy and very inviting. The lighting (so important) is perfect and the overall feeling is like being invited by Thai royalty to dine--then being treated like the King himself.

June 21, 2009 (La Mesa) The First Annual Keller Williams Realty La Mesa/East County Chili Cook-off will be held on Saturday, June 27 from 12-4 p.m. at the La Mesa Trolley Courtyard, corner of La Mesa Blvd. and Spring Street. The event will feature music by the Off Beats Band, a pepper-eating contest, fresh salsa competition, drink far, face painting/clowns, and a performance by Rubio’s Dance Studio. A $20 tasting fee will benefit Rubio’s Dance Studio and Sonshine Haven. For more information, callLaura Kelley @ 619.985.3362.